Purposely informal (to tone down the "high minded" Federalists) in the way he handled Congress, foreign dignataries, etc.
Had strong enemies and diehard followers (some wanted to make his birthday a holiday, he responded "The only birthday I ever commemorate is that of our independence".
To commemorate his inauguration, the town of Chesire, Ma., had local farmers donate milk for a wheel of cheese waying 1600 lbs. The wheel was taken by wagon and given to the President who served it in the Whitehouse to guests for several years!
Was knowledgeable about farming, engineering, wine making, philosophy, religion, law and politics (a true renaissance man)
Was "thinskinned", not a good orator (had a high pitched voice) and did not like head to head debate so often submitted his opinions in written form.
One of his greatest accomplishments was the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 (going against his Dem-Republican principles)
Took on the Barbary Pirates of North Africa
In an effort to keep American ships neutral while they were being harrassed by both the French and British, he pushed for the "embargo act" (1807) which was very unpopular and ultimately hurt the American economy.
Notice what is missing from Jefferson's gravestone?
"We are all republicans: we are all federalists".
Notice what is missing from Jefferson's gravestone?